Whispered Promises by Brenda Jackson Page B

things that I could’ve done, like being more supportive and less pushy. I could’ve weathered your father’s disapproval of me more diplomatically by understanding you were his only child, and that his life had been centered around you. I could have taken it less personal.”
    He pushed his hands deep into his pockets. “We can both look back and say if only we had handled things differently, but doing so won’t turn back the hands of time. I believe we can make another go at things because we have something very special going for us. We both love our daughter very much and want what’s best for her. And we can use our time together to get to know each other without feeling rushed.” Dex hesitated, then smiled smoothly. “That kiss last night proves we’re still attracted to each other. So what do we have to lose?”
    Caitlin shook her head, fighting the urge to grab Dex and shake him. Didn’t he know that sexual attraction was no basis to continue their marriage? A marriage had to be based on love. A lot of marriages failed when held together merely for the sake of a child. And to make matters worse, she knew at that very moment she still loved Dex, and had never stopped loving him.
    When she’d decided to end their marriage, she’d also ended her only chance at happiness, because he was the only man she could and would ever love.
    Pain darkened her expression. Telling him how she felt was the last thing she would do. Doing so would have her heart at his mercy, and she didn’t want that. It hurt her to know he was only willing to continue their marriage because he felt an obligation to see that Jordan got a normal family life.
    â€œWell, what’s it going to be, Caitlin?”
    She frowned. “If I agree to continue our marriage, just what will you expect from me?”
    Dex’s eyes continued to hold hers. “I’ll expect no more from you than I’ll expect from myself. Marriage is like a partnership. The both of us should give everything we have to make it work.”
    â€œWill it be a marriage in name only?”
    â€œNo. I want you to be a wife to me in every way, and that includes sharing my bed. We should resume our marriage with the full intentions of things working out. Therefore, neither of us should hold back on anything. We’re both adults, with normal, healthy physical appetites.”
    Caitlin’s stomach began doing somersaults. Their steamy kiss last night had made her realize just how much she ached for Dex. Long after she had gone up to bed, her body still longed for his touch. He had stirred up memories inside of her. Now the thought that he wanted them to plunge head-on into physical intimacy made the ache inside of her that much more urgent and made her doubts and fears that much more acute. There would be passion in their marriage, but not love. Could she live with him from day to day, sharing his bed, knowing how he really felt about her? And that the only reason he remained married to her was because of their child?
    Caitlin released a heavy sigh. What choice did she have? By being Jordan’s father, Dex had certain rights. He had made it clear that he intended to become deeply involved in his daughter’s life, which meant, technically, he would also be involved in hers. If she refused to go along with what he was proposing, would he take her to court to gain custody of Jordan? Could she risk the chance of him doing that? Besides, wasn’t it time for Jordan to have her father in her life?
    â€œAll right, Dex,” she said, meeting his gaze. “I’m willing to give our marriage another try.”
    Dex nodded. “You do understand that we’ll both have to make concessions, especially about where we’ll live. I’m willing to move to Fort Worth if living there is important to you.”
    Caitlin was surprised by his offer. She knew how close he was to his family. He had told her